Get on your bike and prevent crime

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Published:12:55Monday 05 January 2015

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Morecambe Police have launched a bicycle crime prevention initiative in the area.

The bike security initiative will be held on several dates at various locations in the Morecambe district with the aim of promoting the importance of taking proper bicycle security measures following a rise in bicycle thefts in the area in recent months.

As part of this, Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be offering free bicycle-marking to members of the public.

Bike marking kits have been purchased in partnership with Lancashire County Council’s Sustainable Travel Department, and will allow the public to have their bikes marked with a permanent, unique reference number, which can then be registered with Bike Register (www.BikeRegister.com).

This is a scheme used by all UK police forces that allows them to search for outstanding stolen bicycles by their serial number nationwide. Members of the public who have their bikes marked utilising this scheme will receive an email from BikeRegister letting them know they are ‘live’ on the system and can then log in, print off a log book and record relevant information on the system.

The bike security initiative will take place on the following dates at locations across Morecambe:

Heysham Library Sat 10 January 10am-1pm

Halton Skate Park Sat 10 January 6-8pm

Nether Kellet Village Hall Sun 11 January 3-5pm

Over Kellet Village Hall Sun 11 January 6-8pm

PC Darren Rotherham said: “The bike security initiative is being carried out due to recent increases in reports of cycle thefts within the area.

“By registering bikes, it is hoped that this will deter thieves and, in the event of bikes being stolen, we will have more chance of reuniting bikes with their owners.

“I strongly encourage all bike owners to take up this opportunity to improve the security of their bikes. We want to keep people cycling!”

Residents are being urged to take a few simple safety measures to minimise the chance of becoming a victim of a bike theft:

*Ensure front and back doors of your property are locked and windows closed when leaving the house

*Keep side gates locked

*Use a strong lock on sheds, garages and other outbuildings

*Consider fitting outdoor security lighting

*Keep an eye on neighbouring properties and if you see anything suspicious, contact police.

Further crime prevention advice is available by visiting www.lancashire.police.uk.

Anyone with information about bicycle thefts can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.